Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Child Care Services in Rustington
Established in 1989, Rascals Pre School Playgroup provides high-quality, funded childcare for children aged 2-4 years in a secure, welcoming environment. Our team includes a qualified Early Years Teacher and fully trained staff with paediatric first aid and safeguarding certifications. We operate within a structured educational framework that aligns with Ofsted and West Sussex County Council guidelines while maintaining Christian values. Our sessions combine indoor and outdoor play with structured activities like storytelling and group sessions, fostering independence through hands-on learning experiences. We maintain detailed learning journals to track each child's progress and offer weekly reading sessions to support early literacy.The setting features a large hall, dedicated activity rooms, and a recently refurbished outdoor space with all-weather access. Our staff-to-child ratios exceed statutory requirements, with 1:5 for under-3s and 1:8 for older children. We actively involve parents through regular consultations and welcome community volunteers to enhance the children's experiences. Our commitment to continuous professional development ensures staff maintain the highest standards of early years education.
Services
Childcare
Early Years Education
Safeguarding
Messy Play
Learning Journals
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Qualified Early Years Teacher and fully trained safeguarding staff
- Exceeds statutory staff-to-child ratios for enhanced care
- Detailed learning journals track individual child development
- Recently refurbished all-weather outdoor learning environment
- Community volunteers enrich children's social experiences
What people say
Wonderful staff
Loves attending
Caring environment
Improved confidence
Excellent resources
Services
Childcare
Our childcare service provides a secure, stimulating environment for children aged 2-4 years. With qualified staff maintaining enhanced ratios (1:5 for under-3s, 1:8 for older children), we combine structured learning with free play. The service operates Monday-Tuesday 9:30am-3:30pm and Thursday-Friday 9:30am-12:30pm, offering funded places for eligible children.
Early Years Education
Our educational program follows Ofsted guidelines while embracing Christian values. Children engage in daily activities promoting physical development, creativity, and social skills through play-based learning. The curriculum includes weekly reading sessions, group activities, and outdoor exploration in our recently refurbished garden space with all-weather access.
Safeguarding
We maintain rigorous safeguarding standards with all staff trained in paediatric first aid and child protection. Our policies include restricted mobile phone use during sessions and controlled access to learning journals. The designated safeguarding lead ensures compliance with current legislation while maintaining open communication with parents and carers.
Messy Play
Our daily messy play sessions use materials like paint, playdough, and natural elements to stimulate sensory development. These unstructured activities encourage creativity and discovery through tactile experiences. The outdoor area with mud pits and water play complements indoor messy activities, supporting holistic learning through exploration.
Learning Journals
Each child has a personal learning journal documenting their development through observations and activities. Parents can access these records at any time and contribute home updates. The journals form part of our assessment process, including formal reviews for children aged 2-3 years shared with health visitors.
People
Tracey Hubbard
Manager
Qualified Early Years Teacher with BA Hons in Professional Studies in Learning and Development. Designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for staff training and child protection policies.
Claire Denyer
Supervisor
CACHE Level 3 NVQ qualified with specialist role as Inclusion Co-ordinator. Ensures accessibility and support for children with diverse needs within the playgroup setting.
Sian Welland
Senior Assistant
Level 3 Diploma holder in Childcare and Young People's Education. Provides senior support during sessions and assists with staff training and development.
Beckie Roberts
Assistant
CACHE Level 3 qualified in Children's Care, Learning and Development. Regularly engages children in educational activities and supports key worker responsibilities.
Alana Alderton
Senior Assistant
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma holder in Childcare and Education. Specialises in creative activities and outdoor learning experiences for preschool children.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept children aged 2-4 years, including eligible 2-year-olds and funded 3-4 year olds.
What are your operating hours?
We operate Monday-Tuesday 9:30am-3:30pm and Thursday-Friday 9:30am-12:30pm. Closed Wednesdays.
Is funding available for childcare?
Yes, we offer funded childcare places for eligible 2-year-olds and all 3-4 year olds as per government schemes.
What should children wear?
Children should wear play clothes as we regularly engage in messy play activities both indoors and outdoors.
How do you support settling-in?
We work with families to create personalised settling-in arrangements, with staff available to provide comfort and support during transitions.
How do you communicate with parents?
We maintain open communication through daily conversations, email contact, termly parents' evenings, and regular updates in learning journals.
